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Carroll E, Ravi Gopal B, Raghavan I, Mukherjee M, Wang ZQ. A cytochrome P450 CYP87A4 imparts sterol side-chain cleavage in digoxin biosynthesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4042. [PMID: 37422531 PMCID: PMC10329713 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Digoxin extracted from the foxglove plant is a widely prescribed natural product for treating heart failure. It is listed as an essential medicine by the World Health Organization. However, how the foxglove plant synthesizes digoxin is mostly unknown, especially the cytochrome P450 sterol side chain cleaving enzyme (P450scc), which catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step. Here we identify the long-speculated foxglove P450scc through differential transcriptomic analysis. This enzyme converts cholesterol and campesterol to pregnenolone, suggesting that digoxin biosynthesis starts from both sterols, unlike previously reported. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this enzyme arises from a duplicated cytochrome P450 CYP87A gene and is distinct from the well-characterized mammalian P450scc. Protein structural analysis reveals two amino acids in the active site critical for the foxglove P450scc's sterol cleavage ability. Identifying the foxglove P450scc is a crucial step toward completely elucidating digoxin biosynthesis and expanding the therapeutic applications of digoxin analogs in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Carroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Baradwaj Ravi Gopal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Indu Raghavan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Minakshi Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zhen Q Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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2
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Basallo O, Perez L, Lucido A, Sorribas A, Marin-Saguino A, Vilaprinyo E, Perez-Fons L, Albacete A, Martínez-Andújar C, Fraser PD, Christou P, Capell T, Alves R. Changing biosynthesis of terpenoid percursors in rice through synthetic biology. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1133299. [PMID: 37465386 PMCID: PMC10350630 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1133299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Many highly valued chemicals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, cosmetic, and biomedical industries belong to the terpenoid family. Biosynthesis of these chemicals relies on polymerization of Isopentenyl di-phosphate (IPP) and/or dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) monomers, which plants synthesize using two alternative pathways: a cytosolic mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway and a plastidic methyleritritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. As such, developing plants for use as a platform to use IPP/DMAPP and produce high value terpenoids is an important biotechnological goal. Still, IPP/DMAPP are the precursors to many plant developmental hormones. This creates severe challenges in redirecting IPP/DMAPP towards production of non-cognate plant metabolites. A potential solution to this problem is increasing the IPP/DMAPP production flux in planta. Here, we aimed at discovering, understanding, and predicting the effects of increasing IPP/DMAPP production in plants through modelling. We used synthetic biology to create rice lines containing an additional ectopic MVA biosynthetic pathway for producing IPP/DMAPP. The rice lines express three alternative versions of the additional MVA pathway in the plastid, in addition to the normal endogenous pathways. We collected data for changes in macroscopic and molecular phenotypes, gene expression, isoprenoid content, and hormone abundance in those lines. To integrate the molecular and macroscopic data and develop a more in depth understanding of the effects of engineering the exogenous pathway in the mutant rice lines, we developed and analyzed data-centric, line-specific, multilevel mathematical models. These models connect the effects of variations in hormones and gene expression to changes in macroscopic plant phenotype and metabolite concentrations within the MVA and MEP pathways of WT and mutant rice lines. Our models allow us to predict how an exogenous IPP/DMAPP biosynthetic pathway affects the flux of terpenoid precursors. We also quantify the long-term effect of plant hormones on the dynamic behavior of IPP/DMAPP biosynthetic pathways in seeds, and predict plant characteristics, such as plant height, leaf size, and chlorophyll content from molecular data. In addition, our models are a tool that can be used in the future to help in prioritizing re-engineering strategies for the exogenous pathway in order to achieve specific metabolic goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orio Basallo
- Systems Biology Group, Department Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Lucia Perez
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department de Producció Vegetal I Ciència Florestal, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Agroalimentària i Forestal i de Veterinària (ETSEAFiV), Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Agrotecnio Centres de Recerca de Catalunya (CERCA) Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Abel Lucido
- Systems Biology Group, Department Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Albert Sorribas
- Systems Biology Group, Department Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Alberto Marin-Saguino
- Systems Biology Group, Department Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Ester Vilaprinyo
- Systems Biology Group, Department Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Laura Perez-Fons
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, United Kingdom
| | - Alfonso Albacete
- Departament of Plant Nutrition, Center of Edaphology and Applied Biology of the Segura (CEBAS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Plant Production and Agrotechnology, Institute for Agri-Food Research and Development of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez-Andújar
- Departament of Plant Nutrition, Center of Edaphology and Applied Biology of the Segura (CEBAS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Paul D. Fraser
- School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Christou
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department de Producció Vegetal I Ciència Florestal, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Agroalimentària i Forestal i de Veterinària (ETSEAFiV), Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Agrotecnio Centres de Recerca de Catalunya (CERCA) Center, Lleida, Spain
- ICREA, Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Capell
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department de Producció Vegetal I Ciència Florestal, Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Agroalimentària i Forestal i de Veterinària (ETSEAFiV), Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Agrotecnio Centres de Recerca de Catalunya (CERCA) Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rui Alves
- Systems Biology Group, Department Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
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Tang H, Dong H, Guo X, Cheng M, Li M, Chen Q, Yuan Z, Pu Z, Wang J. Identification of candidate gene for the defective kernel phenotype using bulked segregant RNA and exome capture sequencing methods in wheat. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1173861. [PMID: 37342127 PMCID: PMC10277647 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1173861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Wheat is a significant source of protein and starch worldwide. The defective kernel (Dek) mutant AK-3537, displaying a large hollow area in the endosperm and shrunken grain, was obtained through ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) treatment of the wheat cultivar Aikang 58 (AK58). The mode of inheritance of the AK-3537 grain Dek phenotype was determined to be recessive with a specific statistical significance level. We used bulked segregant RNA-seq (BSR-seq), BSA-based exome capture sequencing (BSE-seq), and the ΔSNP-index algorithm to identify candidate regions for the grain Dek phenotype. Two major candidate regions, DCR1 (Dek candidate region 1) and DCR2, were identified on chromosome 7A between 279.98 and 287.93 Mb and 565.34 and 568.59 Mb, respectively. Based on transcriptome analysis and previous reports, we designed KASP genotyping assays based on SNP variations in the candidate regions and speculated that the candidate gene is TraesCS7A03G0625900 (HMGS-7A), which encodes a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase. One SNP variation located at position 1,049 in the coding sequence (G>A) causes an amino acid change from Gly to Asp. The research suggests that functional changes in HMGS-7A may affect the expression of key enzyme genes involved in wheat starch syntheses, such as GBSSII and SSIIIa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huixue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaojiang Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Crop Genetic Resources and Improvement in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Maolian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongwei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhien Pu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Crop Genetic Resources and Improvement in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jirui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Gene Exploration and Utilization in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Crop Genetic Resources and Improvement in Southwest China, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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4
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Hmidene AB, Ono H, Seo S. Phytosterols Are Involved in Sclareol-Induced Chlorophyll Reductions in Arabidopsis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1282. [PMID: 36986970 PMCID: PMC10055023 DOI: 10.3390/plants12061282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Sclareol, a diterpene, has a wide range of physiological effects on plants, such as antimicrobial activity; disease resistance against pathogens; and the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in metabolism, transport, and phytohormone biosynthesis and signaling. Exogenous sclareol reduces the content of chlorophyll in Arabidopsis leaves. However, the endogenous compounds responsible for sclareol-induced chlorophyll reduction remain unknown. The phytosterols campesterol and stigmasterol were identified as compounds that reduce the content of chlorophyll in sclareol-treated Arabidopsis plants. The exogenous application of campesterol or stigmasterol dose-dependently reduced the content of chlorophyll in Arabidopsis leaves. Exogenously-applied sclareol enhanced the endogenous contents of campesterol and stigmasterol and the accumulation of transcripts for phytosterol biosynthetic genes. These results suggest that the phytosterols campesterol and stigmasterol, the production of which is enhanced in response to sclareol, contribute to reductions in chlorophyll content in Arabidopsis leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ben Hmidene
- Crop Disease Research Group, Division of Plant Molecular Regulation Research, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba 305-8518, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ono
- Bioactive Chemical Analysis Unit, Research Center for Advanced Analysis, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 2-1-12 Kannondai, Tsukuba 305-8642, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shigemi Seo
- Crop Disease Research Group, Division of Plant Molecular Regulation Research, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 2-1-2 Kannondai, Tsukuba 305-8518, Ibaraki, Japan
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Sugimoto K, Zager JJ, Aubin BS, Lange B, Howe GA. Flavonoid deficiency disrupts redox homeostasis and terpenoid biosynthesis in glandular trichomes of tomato. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 188:1450-1468. [PMID: 34668550 PMCID: PMC8896623 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiab488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Glandular trichomes (GTs) are epidermal structures that provide the first line of chemical defense against arthropod herbivores and other biotic threats. The most conspicuous structure on leaves of cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the type-VI GT (tVI-GT), which accumulates both flavonoids and volatile terpenoids. Although these classes of specialized metabolites are derived from distinct metabolic pathways, previous studies with a chalcone isomerase 1 (CHI1)-deficient mutant called anthocyanin free (af) showed that flavonoids are required for terpenoid accumulation in tVI-GTs. Here, we combined global transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of isolated trichomes as a starting point to show that the lack of CHI1 is associated with reduced levels of terpenoid biosynthetic transcripts and enzymes. The flavonoid deficiency in af trichomes also resulted in the upregulation of abiotic stress-responsive genes associated with DNA damage and repair. Several lines of biochemical and genetic evidence indicate that the terpenoid defect in af mutants is specific for the tVI-GT and is associated with the absence of bulk flavonoids rather than loss of CHI1 per se. A newly developed genome-scale model of metabolism in tomato tVI-GTs helped identify metabolic imbalances caused by the loss of flavonoid production. We provide evidence that flavonoid deficiency in this cell type leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may impair terpenoid biosynthesis. Collectively, our findings support a role for flavonoids as ROS-scavenging antioxidants in GTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Sugimoto
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | - Jordan J Zager
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M.J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164-7411, USA
| | - Brian St Aubin
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
| | - Bernd Markus Lange
- Institute of Biological Chemistry and M.J. Murdock Metabolomics Laboratory, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 99164-7411, USA
| | - Gregg A Howe
- MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Plant Resilience Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
- Author for communication:
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Overexpression of Key Sterol Pathway Enzymes in Two Model Marine Diatoms Alters Sterol Profiles in Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13120481. [PMID: 33371196 PMCID: PMC7766473 DOI: 10.3390/ph13120481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterols are a class of triterpenoid molecules with diverse functional roles in eukaryotic cells, including intracellular signaling and regulation of cell membrane fluidity. Diatoms are a dominant eukaryotic phytoplankton group that produce a wide diversity of sterol compounds. The enzymes 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl CoA reductase (HMGR) and squalene epoxidase (SQE) have been reported to be rate-limiting steps in sterol biosynthesis in other model eukaryotes; however, the extent to which these enzymes regulate triterpenoid production in diatoms is not known. To probe the role of these two metabolic nodes in the regulation of sterol metabolic flux in diatoms, we independently over-expressed two versions of the native HMGR and a conventional, heterologous SQE gene in the diatoms Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Overexpression of these key enzymes resulted in significant differential accumulation of downstream sterol pathway intermediates in P. tricornutum. HMGR-mVenus overexpression resulted in the accumulation of squalene, cycloartenol, and obtusifoliol, while cycloartenol and obtusifoliol accumulated in response to heterologous NoSQE-mVenus overexpression. In addition, accumulation of the end-point sterol 24-methylenecholesta-5,24(24’)-dien-3β-ol was observed in all P. tricornutum overexpression lines, and campesterol increased three-fold in P. tricornutum lines expressing NoSQE-mVenus. Minor differences in end-point sterol composition were also found in T. pseudonana, but no accumulation of sterol pathway intermediates was observed. Despite the successful manipulation of pathway intermediates and individual sterols in P. tricornutum, total sterol levels did not change significantly in transformed lines, suggesting the existence of tight pathway regulation to maintain total sterol content.
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Silva N, Ivamoto-Suzuki ST, Camargo PO, Rosa RS, Pereira LFP, Domingues DS. Low-Copy Genes in Terpenoid Metabolism: The Evolution and Expression of MVK and DXR Genes in Angiosperms. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9040525. [PMID: 32325804 PMCID: PMC7238024 DOI: 10.3390/plants9040525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Terpenoids are a diverse class of metabolites that impact plant metabolism in response to environmental cues. They are synthesized either via a predominantly cytosolic (MVA) pathway or a plastidic pathway (MEP). In Arabidopsis, several enzymes from the MVA and MEP pathways are encoded by gene families, excluding MVK and DXR, which are single-copy genes. In this study, we assess the diversity, evolution and expression of DXR and MVK genes in selected angiosperms and Coffea arabica in particular. Evolutionary analysis revealed that DXR and MVK underwent purifying selection, but the selection effect for DXR was stronger than it was for MVK. Digital gene expression (DGE) profile analysis of six species revealed that expression levels of MVK in flowers and roots were high, whereas for DXR peak values were observed in leaves. In C. arabica, both genes were highly expressed in flowers, and CaDXR was upregulated in response to methyl jasmonate. C. arabica DGE data were validated by assessing gene expression in selected organs, and by plants treated with hexanoic acid (Hx) using RT-qPCR. MVK expression was upregulated in roots treated with Hx. CaDXR was downregulated in leaves by Hx treatment in a genotype-specific manner, indicating a differential response to priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Silva
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, 13506-900 Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (S.T.I.-S.)
| | - Suzana Tiemi Ivamoto-Suzuki
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, 13506-900 Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (S.T.I.-S.)
| | - Paula Oliveira Camargo
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, 13506-900 Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (S.T.I.-S.)
| | - Raíssa Scalzoni Rosa
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, 13506-900 Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (S.T.I.-S.)
| | - Luiz Filipe Protasio Pereira
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Vegetal, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa-Café), 86047-902 Londrina-PR, Brazil;
| | - Douglas Silva Domingues
- Departamento de Biodiversidade, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, 13506-900 Rio Claro-SP, Brazil (S.T.I.-S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(19)-3526-4207
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8
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On the Evolution and Functional Diversity of Terpene Synthases in the Pinus Species: A Review. J Mol Evol 2020; 88:253-283. [PMID: 32036402 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-020-09930-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In the biosynthesis of terpenoids, the ample catalytic versatility of terpene synthases (TPS) allows the formation of thousands of different molecules. A steadily increasing number of sequenced plant genomes invariably show that the TPS gene family is medium to large in size, comprising from 30 to 100 functional members. In conifers, TPSs belonging to the gymnosperm-specific TPS-d subfamily produce a complex mixture of mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenoid specialized metabolites, which are found in volatile emissions and oleoresin secretions. Such substances are involved in the defence against pathogens and herbivores and can help to protect against abiotic stress. Oleoresin terpenoids can be also profitably used in a number of different fields, from traditional and modern medicine to fine chemicals, fragrances, and flavours, and, in the last years, in biorefinery too. In the present work, after summarizing the current views on the biosynthesis and biological functions of terpenoids, recent advances on the evolution and functional diversification of plant TPSs are reviewed, with a focus on gymnosperms. In such context, an extensive characterization and phylogeny of all the known TPSs from different Pinus species is reported, which, for such genus, can be seen as the first effort to explore the evolutionary history of the large family of TPS genes involved in specialized metabolism. Finally, an approach is described in which the phylogeny of TPSs in Pinus spp. has been exploited to isolate for the first time mono-TPS sequences from Pinus nigra subsp. laricio, an ecologically important endemic pine in the Mediterranean area.
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Liao P, Lung SC, Chan WL, Bach TJ, Lo C, Chye ML. Overexpression of HMG-CoA synthase promotes Arabidopsis root growth and adversely affects glucosinolate biosynthesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2020; 71:272-289. [PMID: 31557302 PMCID: PMC6913736 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGS) catalyses the second step of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. An HMGS inhibitor (F-244) has been reported to retard growth in wheat, tobacco, and Brassica juncea, but the mechanism remains unknown. Although the effects of HMGS on downstream isoprenoid metabolites have been extensively reported, not much is known on how it might affect non-isoprenoid metabolic pathways. Here, the mechanism of F-244-mediated inhibition of primary root growth in Arabidopsis and the relationship between HMGS and non-isoprenoid metabolic pathways were investigated by untargeted SWATH-MS quantitative proteomics, quantitative real-time PCR, and target metabolite analysis. Our results revealed that the inhibition of primary root growth caused by F-244 was a consequence of reduced stigmasterol, auxin, and cytokinin levels. Interestingly, proteomic analyses identified a relationship between HMGS and glucosinolate biosynthesis. Inhibition of HMGS activated glucosinolate biosynthesis, resulting from the induction of glucosinolate biosynthesis-related genes, suppression of sterol biosynthesis-related genes, and reduction in sterol levels. In contrast, HMGS overexpression inhibited glucosinolate biosynthesis, due to down-regulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis-related genes, up-regulation of sterol biosynthesis-related genes, and increase in sterol content. Thus, HMGS might represent a target for the manipulation of glucosinolate biosynthesis, given the regulatory relationship between HMGS in the MVA pathway and glucosinolate biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liao
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, CUHK, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shiu-Cheung Lung
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Lung Chan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Thomas J Bach
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UPR 2357, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Clive Lo
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mee-Len Chye
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, CUHK, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence:
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10
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Cherian S, Ryu SB, Cornish K. Natural rubber biosynthesis in plants, the rubber transferase complex, and metabolic engineering progress and prospects. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2019; 17:2041-2061. [PMID: 31150158 PMCID: PMC6790360 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Natural rubber (NR) is a nonfungible and valuable biopolymer, used to manufacture ~50 000 rubber products, including tires and medical gloves. Current production of NR is derived entirely from the para rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The increasing demand for NR, coupled with limitations and vulnerability of H. brasiliensis production systems, has induced increasing interest among scientists and companies in potential alternative NR crops. Genetic/metabolic pathway engineering approaches, to generate NR-enriched genotypes of alternative NR plants, are of great importance. However, although our knowledge of rubber biochemistry has significantly advanced, our current understanding of NR biosynthesis, the biosynthetic machinery and the molecular mechanisms involved remains incomplete. Two spatially separated metabolic pathways provide precursors for NR biosynthesis in plants and their genes and enzymes/complexes are quite well understood. In contrast, understanding of the proteins and genes involved in the final step(s)-the synthesis of the high molecular weight rubber polymer itself-is only now beginning to emerge. In this review, we provide a critical evaluation of recent research developments in NR biosynthesis, in vitro reconstitution, and the genetic and metabolic pathway engineering advances intended to improve NR content in plants, including H. brasiliensis, two other prospective alternative rubber crops, namely the rubber dandelion and guayule, and model species, such as lettuce. We describe a new model of the rubber transferase complex, which integrates these developments. In addition, we highlight the current challenges in NR biosynthesis research and future perspectives on metabolic pathway engineering of NR to speed alternative rubber crop commercial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Cherian
- Plant Systems Engineering Research CentreKorea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB)Yuseong‐guDaejeonKorea
- Research & Development CenterDRB Holding Co. LTDBusanKorea
| | - Stephen Beungtae Ryu
- Plant Systems Engineering Research CentreKorea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB)Yuseong‐guDaejeonKorea
- Department of Biosystems and BioengineeringKRIBB School of BiotechnologyKorea University of Science and Technology (UST)DaejeonKorea
| | - Katrina Cornish
- Department of Horticulture and Crop ScienceThe Ohio State UniversityWoosterOHUSA
- Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityWoosterOHUSA
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Metabolism and Biological Activities of 4-Methyl-Sterols. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030451. [PMID: 30691248 PMCID: PMC6385002 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
4,4-Dimethylsterols and 4-methylsterols are sterol biosynthetic intermediates (C4-SBIs) acting as precursors of cholesterol, ergosterol, and phytosterols. Their accumulation caused by genetic lesions or biochemical inhibition causes severe cellular and developmental phenotypes in all organisms. Functional evidence supports their role as meiosis activators or as signaling molecules in mammals or plants. Oxygenated C4-SBIs like 4-carboxysterols act in major biological processes like auxin signaling in plants and immune system development in mammals. It is the purpose of this article to point out important milestones and significant advances in the understanding of the biogenesis and biological activities of C4-SBIs.
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Holland CK, Jez JM. Arabidopsis: the original plant chassis organism. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2018; 37:1359-1366. [PMID: 29663032 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-018-2286-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) has a past, current, and future role in the era of synthetic biology. Arabidopsis is one of the most well-studied plants with a wealth of genomics, genetics, and biochemical resources available for the metabolic engineer and synthetic biologist. Here we discuss the tools and resources that enable the identification of target genes and pathways in Arabidopsis and heterologous expression in this model plant. While there are numerous examples of engineering Arabidopsis for decreased lignin, increased seed oil, increased vitamins, and environmental remediation, this plant has provided biochemical tools for introducing Arabidopsis genes, pathways, and/or regulatory elements into other plants and microorganisms. Arabidopsis is not a vegetative or oilseed crop, but it is as an excellent model chassis for proof-of-concept metabolic engineering and synthetic biology experiments in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia K Holland
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Joseph M Jez
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
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Liao P, Chen X, Wang M, Bach TJ, Chye M. Improved fruit α-tocopherol, carotenoid, squalene and phytosterol contents through manipulation of Brassica juncea 3-HYDROXY-3-METHYLGLUTARYL-COA SYNTHASE1 in transgenic tomato. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2018; 16:784-796. [PMID: 28881416 PMCID: PMC5814594 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase (HMGS) in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway generates isoprenoids including phytosterols. Dietary phytosterols are important because they can lower blood cholesterol levels. Previously, the overexpression of Brassica juncea wild-type (wt) and mutant (S359A) BjHMGS1 in Arabidopsis up-regulated several genes in sterol biosynthesis and increased sterol content. Recombinant S359A had earlier displayed a 10-fold higher in vitro enzyme activity. Furthermore, tobacco HMGS overexpressors (OEs) exhibited improved sterol content, plant growth and seed yield. Increased growth and seed yield in tobacco OE-S359A over OE-wtBjHMGS1 coincided with elevations in NtSQS expression and sterol content. Herein, the overexpression of wt and mutant (S359A) BjHMGS1 in a crop plant, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), caused an accumulation of MVA-derived squalene and phytosterols, as well as methylerythritol phosphate (MEP)-derived α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and carotenoids, which are important to human health as antioxidants. In tomato HMGS-OE seedlings, genes associated with the biosyntheses of C10, C15 and C20 universal precursors of isoprenoids, phytosterols, brassinosteroids, dolichols, methylerythritol phosphate, carotenoid and vitamin E were up-regulated. In OE-S359A tomato fruits, increased squalene and phytosterol contents over OE-wtBjHMGS1 were attributed to heightened SlHMGR2, SlFPS1, SlSQS and SlCYP710A11 expression. In both tomato OE-wtBjHMGS1 and OE-S359A fruits, the up-regulation of SlGPS and SlGGPPS1 in the MEP pathway that led to α-tocopherol and carotenoid accumulation indicated cross-talk between the MVA and MEP pathways. Taken together, the manipulation of BjHMGS1 represents a promising strategy to simultaneously elevate health-promoting squalene, phytosterols, α-tocopherol and carotenoids in tomato, an edible fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liao
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong KongChina
- Partner State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCUHKShatinHong KongChina
| | - Xinjian Chen
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong KongChina
| | - Mingfu Wang
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong KongChina
| | - Thomas J. Bach
- Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueUPR 2357Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des PlantesStrasbourgFrance
| | - Mee‐Len Chye
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong KongChina
- Partner State Key Laboratory of AgrobiotechnologyCUHKShatinHong KongChina
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Lung SC, Liao P, Yeung EC, Hsiao AS, Xue Y, Chye ML. Acyl-CoA-Binding Protein ACBP1 Modulates Sterol Synthesis during Embryogenesis. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 174:1420-1435. [PMID: 28500265 PMCID: PMC5490911 DOI: 10.1104/pp.17.00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) and sterols are primary metabolites that exert interrelated functions as structural and signaling lipids. Despite their common syntheses from acetyl-coenzyme A, homeostatic cross talk remains enigmatic. Six Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) acyl-coenzyme A-binding proteins (ACBPs) are involved in FA metabolism. ACBP1 interacts with PHOSPHOLIPASE Dα1 and regulates phospholipid composition. Here, its specific role in the negative modulation of sterol synthesis during embryogenesis is reported. ACBP1, likely in a liganded state, interacts with STEROL C4-METHYL OXIDASE1-1 (SMO1-1), a rate-limiting enzyme in the sterol pathway. Proembryo abortion in the double mutant indicated that the ACBP1-SMO1-1 interaction is synthetic lethal, corroborating with their strong promoter activities in developing ovules. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed quantitative and compositional changes in FAs and sterols upon overexpression or mutation of ACBP1 and/or SMO1-1 Aberrant levels of these metabolites may account for the downstream defect in lipid signaling. GLABRA2 (GL2), encoding a phospholipid/sterol-binding homeodomain transcription factor, was up-regulated in developing seeds of acbp1, smo1-1, and ACBP1+/-smo1-1 in comparison with the wild type. Consistent with the corresponding transcriptional alteration of GL2 targets, high-oil, low-mucilage phenotypes of gl2 were phenocopied in ACBP1+/-smo1-1 Thus, ACBP1 appears to modulate the metabolism of two important lipid classes (FAs and sterols) influencing cellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiu-Cheung Lung
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pan Liao
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Edward C Yeung
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
| | - An-Shan Hsiao
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yan Xue
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mee-Len Chye
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
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Pütter KM, van Deenen N, Unland K, Prüfer D, Schulze Gronover C. Isoprenoid biosynthesis in dandelion latex is enhanced by the overexpression of three key enzymes involved in the mevalonate pathway. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2017; 17:88. [PMID: 28532507 PMCID: PMC5441070 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-017-1036-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Latex from the dandelion species Taraxacum brevicorniculatum contains many high-value isoprenoid end products, e.g. triterpenes and polyisoprenes such as natural rubber. The isopentenyl pyrophosphate units required as precursors for these isoprenoids are provided by the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. The key enzyme in this pathway is 3-hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) and its activity has been thoroughly characterized in many plant species including dandelion. However, two enzymes acting upstream of HMGR have not been characterized in dandelion latex: ATP citrate lyase (ACL), which provides the acetyl-CoA utilized in the MVA pathway, and acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (AACT), which catalyzes the first step in the pathway to produce acetoacetyl-CoA. Here we isolated ACL and AACT genes from T. brevicorniculatum latex and characterized their expression profiles. We also overexpressed the well-characterized HMGR, ACL and AACT genes from Arabidopsis thaliana in T. brevicorniculatum to determine their impact on isoprenoid end products in the latex. RESULTS The spatial and temporal expression profiles of T. brevicorniculatum ACL and AACT revealed their pivotal role in the synthesis of precursors necessary for isoprenoid biosynthesis in latex. The overexpression of A. thaliana ACL and AACT and HMGR in T. brevicorniculatum latex resulted in the accumulation of all three enzymes, increased the corresponding enzymatic activities and ultimately increased sterol levels by ~5-fold and pentacyclic triterpene and cis-1,4-isoprene levels by ~2-fold. Remarkably high levels of the triterpene precursor squalene were also detected in the triple-transgenic lines (up to 32 mg/g root dry weight) leading to the formation of numerous lipid droplets which were observed in root cross-sections. CONCLUSIONS We could show the effective expression of up to three transgenes in T. brevicorniculatum latex which led to increased enzymatic activity and resulted in high level squalene accumulation in the dandelion roots up to an industrially relevant amount. Our data provide insight into the regulation of the MVA pathway in dandelion latex and can be used as a basis for metabolic engineering to enhance the production of isoprenoid end products in this specialized tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M. Pütter
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Nicole van Deenen
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Kristina Unland
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Dirk Prüfer
- Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Christian Schulze Gronover
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Muenster, Germany
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Transcript profiling of two potato cultivars during glycoalkaloid-inducing treatments shows differential expression of genes in sterol and glycoalkaloid metabolism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43268. [PMID: 28256633 PMCID: PMC5335668 DOI: 10.1038/srep43268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGA) are sterol-derived neurotoxic defence substances present in several members of the Solanaceae. In the potato (Solanum tuberosum), high SGA levels may render tubers harmful for consumption. Tuber SGA levels depend on genetic factors, and can increase as a response to certain stresses and environmental conditions. To identify genes underlying the cultivar variation in tuber SGA levels, we investigated two potato cultivars differing in their SGA accumulation during wounding or light exposure; two known SGA-inducing treatments. Using microarray analysis coupled to sterol and SGA quantifications, we identified a small number of differentially expressed genes that were associated with increased SGA levels. Two of these genes, encoding distinct types of sterol Δ24-reductases, were by sense/antisense expression in transgenic potato plants shown to have differing roles in sterol and SGA metabolism. The results show that an increased SGA level in potato tubers during both wounding and light exposure is mediated by coordinated expression of a set of key genes in isoprenoid and steroid metabolism, and suggest that differences in this expression underlie cultivar variations in SGA levels. These results may find use within potato breeding and quality assessment.
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